Client objectives & challenges
Reimagine the World of Solutions as a destination people want to stay in, not pass through. Increase sponsor activation value while simplifying build complexity, improving flow, and embedding sustainability and accessibility without compromising creativity.
Client Objectives
Create a clear, welcoming and sponsor-friendly exhibition ecosystem that encourages dwell time, informal connection and meaningful engagement, while reducing environmental impact and improving operational efficiency.
Challenges
Balancing scale with simplicity, supporting diverse sponsor needs within a shared environment, and delivering ambitious sustainability targets across a high traffic exhibition hall at Cisco Live EMEA.
Success Criteria
Strong dwell and engagement within World of Solutions, positive sponsor feedback, measurable circularity outcomes, improved accessibility, and a scalable system that could evolve year-on-year.
Designing an exhibition people
wanted to stay in
World of Solutions was designed as a living, breathing environment. Festival-style theatres and lounges brought warmth and energy, while minimal, modular sponsor booths provided clarity and flexibility, creating a space that supported both human connection and commercial outcomes.
What we delivered
Experience design & spatial strategy
We created a dual language design system: outdoor-inspired theatres and lounges contrasted with clean, pared back sponsor areas. Open vistas, clear sightlines and natural materials created a relaxed, high energy atmosphere that encouraged movement, conversation and dwell.
Sponsor activation ecosystem
Sponsor booths were simplified to maximise usable demo space and reduce build complexity. Curated activation menus helped brands integrate into the wider World of Solutions environment, shifting the exhibition from “a place you visit” to “a place you stay”.
Flow, ergonomics & dwell
With learnings from the previous year, we refined booth ergonomics, introduced usable wall and floor zones, and relocated World of Solutions to a naturally-lit hall. Informal seating and relaxed meeting areas, including casual lounge furniture, increased dwell quality and spontaneous interaction.
Sustainability & circular delivery
Sustainability was designed in from the outset. A minimal build, modular approach prioritised reuse, rental and recycling. Carpeting was removed across the hall, PVC-free graphics were used throughout, and no handouts or pull-up banners were permitted.
Accessibility & local impact
Platforms were removed wherever possible, with ramped edging applied throughout the hall. Local sourcing reduced transport impact, with 70% of suppliers based in the Netherlands. Post event, props and materials were donated locally, extending value beyond the show.
Opportunities & value added
Sponsor-first design
Activation was built into the ecosystem, not added on.
Human-first flow
Clear sightlines and informal spaces encouraged connection and dwell.
Circular by default
Reuse, rental and recycling replaced single use builds.
Scalable system
A modular approach supported evolution year-on-year.
Sustainability
Circular metrics
Multiple areas achieved 0% waste, including theatres and lounges.
Material choices
PVC free graphics, recycled carpets on stands and minimal build principles reduced impact.
Local sourcing
The majority of suppliers were based in Amsterdam and the wider Netherlands.
Responsible policies
No handouts, pull ups or unnecessary printed materials were permitted.
Cisco Live World of Solutions
Outcome
World of Solutions became the social and commercial heart of Cisco Live EMEA. Increased dwell, improved sponsor activation and measurable circularity results demonstrated how experience design, operational discipline and sustainability can coexist, delivering value for delegates, partners and the planet.
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